MARINE DEVELOPS A PLAN FOR LIFE OF SERVICE

Specialist in logistics on track to receive college degree and officer’s commission this year

Marine Gunnery Sgt. Gabriel Adibe, a student at the University of San Diego, works out with other Marines at the physical training area of the Marine Corps
Recruit Depot. Adibe is scheduled to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in sociology and receive his officer’s commission in September. Howard Lipin • U-T photos

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Marine Gunnery Sgt. Gabriel Adibe, a student at the University of San Diego, works out with other Marines at the physical training area of the Marine Corps
Recruit Depot. Adibe is scheduled to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in sociology and receive his officer’s commission in September. Howard Lipin • U-T photos

Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Gabriel Adibe, a student in the Naval ROTC program at University of San Diego, goes through physical training exercises with other ROTC Marines at the Marine Recruit Depot. Adibe is scheduled to graduate with a bachelor&apos;s degree in sociology and receive his officer&apos;s commission in September.

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Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Gabriel Adibe, a student in the Naval ROTC program at University of San Diego, goes through physical training exercises with other ROTC Marines at the Marine Recruit Depot. Adibe is scheduled to graduate with a bachelor's degree in sociology and receive his officer's commission in September.

There’s a song that Gunnery Sgt. Gabriel Adibe’s mother used to sing a lot when he was younger: “Jesus first, others second, you put yourself at the end of the line, and then you’ll find true joy in your life. …”

It’s a song that likely played in his head when he was the big kid on the playground who didn’t tolerate other kids being bullied. Or when he started a club in college to help people learn about and appreciate each other. And it has increased in volume during his career in the military.

Adibe, 30, who grew up in Columbia, Mo., is a logistician in the Marine Corps. He enlisted in June 2001 because he wanted to do something more than just a job; he believed he needed to serve his country. The Marines struck him as a group that carried themselves differently — “when we go into a situation, we like to leave that situation better than when we got there,” he said.

As part of the Marine Enlisted Commissioning Education Program, Adibe has been studying sociology at the University of San Diego since 2009. He’ll earn his bachelor’s degree this summer, and be commissioned this fall as a second lieutenant. He wants to live out the idea of making things better, and part of that process has included founding a campus club to build connections between people, writing a book and founding a company, all focused on improving people’s lives.

When he joined the Marines, he told the recruiter that he wanted a job that would allow him to travel, give him responsibility and allow him to be promoted quickly.

He was deployed as part of humanitarian efforts after the Indonesian tsunami in 2004 and Hurricane Katrina in 2005. In 2008, he spent seven months on his first combat deployment in Afghanistan’s Helmand province with the 1st Battalion, 6th Marines out of Camp Lejeune, N.C.

The other guys used to jokingly refer to him as “Universal Soldier” because he maintained radio communication with the U.S. and British military.

As part of logistics, Adibe was responsible for helping coordinate supplies and equipment, setting up the camp, working with engineers, making sure combat vehicles were loaded with the proper supplies, and keeping track of timelines so that the Marines weren’t ordering more than they’d need before leaving.

Part of what he enjoys about the Marines is the sense of accomplishment and teamwork that comes with the plans and projects. Then there’s mentoring younger Marines and creating a dialogue with his peers and those above him in rank. There is a tendency people have to romanticize the military and glorify war, he said.

“Yes, we go out and we defend our country, and do it well. We kick in doors and do what we have to do, but there’s even more of a purpose for what we’re doing,” he said.

His point is that a private or lance corporal becomes a kind of diplomat; their job is more than just taking down the enemy, they are the first line of communication with another entity. “It’s more than just fighting, we’re out there to be good stewards.”

When Adibe and his wife of five years, Crystal, moved to San Diego a few years ago, he channeled his desire for stewardship into a club at USD called Think. He wanted to change the lack of connection people experienced, to encourage people to see one another beyond what’s seen in a five-minute encounter.

The club led to a self-published book released in January called “Think: How Dialogue Becomes Action, the Pursuit of Positive Social Change.” He’s also started Altruistic Behavior and Innovations Group, which creates products designed to raise awareness of “human dignity and social issues, and recognize the value of people.” One of those products is a digital comic that addresses issues such as homelessness, gender and racial inequality, education or bullying.

Staff Sgt. William Meketa, 29, was a roommate with Adibe in Pennsylvania six or seven years ago. Meketa, who’s also a logistician, describes Adibe as someone who’s driven and motivated, with high moral standards, but who’s also approachable and humble.

“He is the poster child of the Marine Corps. The way he carries himself, his decision-making is always on point, but he’s never quick to make a decision,” Meketa said. “He’s trusted by many people who would put their lives in that man’s hands. He’s strong-willed, but he’s humble. He’s got no problem saying, ‘I was wrong, you were right’ or ‘Let’s do it your way.’ ”

Do you know of a military member or veteran who should be in the spotlight? Contact Lisa Deaderick at (619) 293-2503, or lisa.deaderick@utsandiego.com